Miami Gardens City felony records are court files that document serious criminal cases filed in Miami-Dade County for people accused of crimes in Miami Gardens. Anyone can look up these records online through the Miami-Dade Clerk of Court or the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
This page shows you exactly how to search, what you will find, and where to get official copies of felony case documents in Miami Gardens.
What Counts as a Felony in Miami Gardens
A felony in Miami Gardens is a crime that can lead to more than one year in state prison. Felonies are the most serious type of criminal charge under Florida law. The Miami-Dade County State Attorney decides whether to file a felony charge after police finish their investigation. Cases start in the county court system and may move to the 11th Judicial Circuit Court for trial.
Common Felony Charges Filed in Miami Gardens
Most felony cases that come from Miami Gardens involve the same types of crimes seen across Miami-Dade County. These cases move through the same court system used by all cities in the county.
- Burglary and home invasion
- Drug trafficking and sale of controlled substances
- Robbery and armed robbery
- Felony assault and battery with a weapon
- Aggravated DUI with injury or prior record
- Firearm possession by a convicted felon
- Grand theft over $750
- Murder, manslaughter, and attempted murder
- Sexual battery and lewd acts
- Identity theft and fraud schemes
Felony Levels Under Florida Law
Florida divides felonies into five levels. Each level carries a different maximum prison sentence. Judges use these levels to set bond and punishment after a conviction or plea.
| Felony Level | Maximum Prison Time | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Life Felony | Life in prison | First-degree murder, kidnapping of a child under 13 |
| First-Degree Felony | 30 years | Trafficking in large amounts of drugs, armed robbery |
| Second-Degree Felony | 15 years | Aggravated assault, burglary of a dwelling |
| Third-Degree Felony | 5 years | Felony battery, possession of a controlled substance |
| Capital Felony | Death or life without parole | Capital murder, murder of a law enforcement officer |
Where Miami Gardens Felony Cases Are Filed
All felony cases from Miami Gardens are filed with the Miami-Dade County Clerk of the Courts. The Clerk keeps the official docket, court orders, and final judgments. The court that hears the case sits in the 11th Judicial Circuit, which covers all of Miami-Dade County. Felony arraignments usually happen at the Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building in Miami.
Miami-Dade Clerk of Court Felony Case Portal
The Clerk runs a free online portal that shows every felony case filed in the county. You can search by name, case number, or citation number. The portal updates each day with new filings, court dates, and judge assignments. This is the fastest way to check Miami Gardens felony court records without leaving home.
Website: https://www.miamidadeclerk.gov/
11th Judicial Circuit Court Felony Division
The 11th Judicial Circuit Court handles all felony trials and sentencings. The Circuit Court website lists daily court calendars, judge schedules, and standing orders. You can look up a Miami Gardens felony case status through this court system as well.
Website: https://www.jud11.flcourts.org/
How to Search Miami Gardens Felony Records Online
You have three main ways to look up felony records online. Each one gives different results. The right choice depends on how much detail you need and how soon you need it.
Step 1: Use the Miami-Dade Clerk Online Search
Go to the Clerk website and click on “Search Our Records.” Pick the criminal case search. Enter the full legal name and date of birth if you have it. The system will show every felony case tied to that person in Miami Gardens. You can also search by case number if you already have it.
- Open https://www.miamidadeclerk.gov/
- Click “Online Services” at the top of the page
- Pick “Criminal Case Search” from the menu
- Type the last name, first name, and middle name
- Enter the date of birth if known
- Hit search and review the list of cases
- Click a case number to see the full docket
Step 2: Run a Statewide Search Through FDLE
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs a statewide criminal history check. This search covers every county in Florida, including Miami-Dade. It costs $24 per name and shows arrests, charges, and dispositions. The results come back the same day in most cases.
Website: https://web.fdle.state.fl.us/search/app/default
Step 3: Check the Miami-Dade Court Public Portal
The court system has its own public portal that shows upcoming hearings and past rulings. You can search by party name or case number. This tool works well when you only need the next court date or a list of past hearings in a Miami Gardens felony docket lookup.
Website: https://www.jud11.flcourts.org/
What You Will See in a Felony Case File
A Miami Gardens felony case file contains more than a simple list of charges. Each file tracks the case from arrest to final resolution. Knowing what each part means helps you read the file correctly.
Case Number Format
Each felony case has a unique number that starts with the year, a court code, and a sequence. For example, a case filed in 2025 might look like F2025-012345. The “F” means felony. This number stays the same from the first filing through the final appeal.
Docket Sheet Entries
The docket sheet lists every action taken in the case in date order. It shows arraignment dates, bond hearings, motion filings, plea deals, trial dates, and sentencing. A Miami Gardens felony docket sheet gives a full timeline of the case.
Charges and Statute Numbers
Each charge has a Florida Statute number. The statute number tells you the exact crime. For example, 784.021 is aggravated assault. This makes it easy to tell what a person was accused of doing.
Final Disposition
The disposition is the end result of the case. Common dispositions include guilty plea, not guilty verdict, dismissed, nolle prosequi, and adjudication withheld. A Miami Gardens felony conviction record only exists when the final disposition shows a guilty finding or a withhold after a guilty plea.
How to Get Official Copies of Miami Gardens Felony Records
Online searches show basic case data. Official copies of felony court documents come with a court seal and can be used for legal, employment, or immigration matters. You can order these in person, by mail, or through the Clerk website.
In-Person Requests at the Clerk’s Office
You can visit the Miami-Dade Clerk’s main office to request certified copies. Bring a photo ID and know the case number if possible. Staff will pull the file and copy what you need. Most requests are ready the same day.
By Mail or Online
Mail a written request to the Clerk of Court with the case number, party name, and the documents you need. Include a check or money order for the fees. You can also order certified copies through the Clerk’s online portal with a credit card.
Fees and Processing Time
Standard copies cost $0.15 per page. Certified copies cost $1.00 per document plus the page fee. Most requests process in three to five business days. Rush requests may be ready the same day for an extra fee.
What Felony Records Are Not Public
Florida law seals some felony records from public view. A Miami Gardens public felony records search will not show sealed or expunged files. Knowing what stays hidden helps you set the right expectations.
Sealed Records
A judge can seal a felony record if the person completes probation, wins a motion to seal, or qualifies for a diversion program. Once sealed, the case drops off the public docket. The Clerk still keeps the file but will not show it during a standard search.
Expunged Records
Expungement is stronger than sealing. The Clerk destroys the public file and keeps a small record for law enforcement only. An expunged felony case will not appear in any search you run.
Juvenile Felony Cases
Felony cases filed against minors stay confidential. Florida law keeps juvenile records sealed from public view. The Clerk cannot release them without a court order. Only the minor, the parents, and authorized agencies can see the file.
Who Can Access Felony Records in Miami Gardens
Florida’s public records law gives most people the right to view felony case files. You do not need to be a lawyer or a citizen to search. You also do not need to give a reason for your request.
Members of the Public
Any person can search Miami Gardens criminal felony case information through the Clerk portal. You only need a name to start. You do not need to show ID for a basic online search.
Attorneys and Law Firms
Lawyers use the same portal but get a registered account. A registered account lets them pull full case files and e-file new documents. This is the standard way to handle a Miami Gardens felony case lookup online for a client.
Bail Bond Agents
Bail bond agents in Florida can access certain criminal history data through approved channels. They use this data to confirm the identity of a defendant and check bond status. They must follow state rules on data use.
Employers and Licensing Boards
Florida employers and licensing boards can request a full background check through FDLE. They need written consent from the person being checked. The results show every felony conviction on file.
Common Uses for Miami Gardens Felony Records
People search felony case records for many reasons. Each use case calls for a slightly different type of record. Knowing what you need saves time and money.
Background Checks Before Hiring
Florida employers in fields like childcare, healthcare, finance, and security must run criminal checks. They use FDLE reports to confirm a candidate’s record. The report must be no more than 90 days old for most licensing rules.
Personal Records for Court Use
Defendants often pull their own records to use in court. A person may need proof of dismissal to clear their name, or a certified copy of a conviction to use in another state case. The Clerk’s office handles these requests daily.
Genealogy and Family Research
Some people search old felony cases to learn about a family member. Older records may have been digitized. The Clerk can pull historical felony trial records for cases going back many decades.
News and Investigative Reporting
Reporters and journalists rely on public felony records for stories. They pull docket sheets, motions, and final judgments to confirm facts. A Miami Gardens felony court case search is part of the standard reporting process.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Searching
Small errors can lead to wrong results. Most people who cannot find a case run into one of the same few problems. A few minutes of prep fixes most of them.
Misspelled Names
Even one wrong letter will hide a case. Try different spellings, including nicknames, middle names, and reversed first and last names. The Clerk portal allows wildcards for partial matches.
Wrong Date Format
The system uses the date format MM/DD/YYYY. A wrong year or wrong order will return no results. If you do not know the date of birth, skip the field and search by name only.
Searching the Wrong Court
Felony cases go through the Circuit Court. A search in the County Court system will miss them. Make sure the case type filter is set to “Felony” and not “Misdemeanor” or “Traffic.”
Fees, Hours, and Contact for Official Searches
Use the contact details below to reach the right office for your Miami Gardens felony case history or felony record request. Office hours and fees change, so call ahead before you visit.
Miami-Dade Clerk of Court (Criminal Division)
Address: 1351 NW 12th Street, Miami, FL 33125
Phone: (305) 275-1155
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Website: https://www.miamidadeclerk.gov/
11th Judicial Circuit Court (Felony Division)
Address: 73 W Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33130
Phone: (305) 349-7000
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Website: https://www.jud11.flcourts.org/
Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)
Address: 2331 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308
Phone: (850) 410-7000
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Website: https://www.fdle.state.fl.us/
Frequently Asked Questions
These questions cover the most common concerns people have when they look up felony case documents in Miami Gardens. Each answer gives you a direct path to the records you need. Use them as a quick reference before you start your search.
How long does it take to get a certified copy of a Miami Gardens felony record?
Most certified copy requests process in three to five business days. In-person requests at the Clerk’s office in Miami are often ready the same day. Mail requests take longer because of postal delivery time. Rush service is available for an extra fee if you need the document the next business day. Always bring a photo ID and the case number to speed up the process.
Can I look up a felony case for free in Miami Gardens?
Yes. The Miami-Dade Clerk portal lets you search felony case information for free. You can see charges, court dates, and docket entries at no cost. FDLE charges a fee for a full statewide criminal history report, but the Clerk system covers most basic search needs. Court documents can also be viewed on the public computers at the Clerk’s office without charge.
What is the difference between a sealed and an expunged felony record in Florida?
A sealed record is hidden from public view but still exists in the Clerk’s files. Law enforcement and certain agencies can still see it. An expunged record is destroyed for public purposes, and only a small file remains for law enforcement. A person who qualifies under Florida law can ask the court to seal or expunge a felony record after they complete their sentence. The decision is up to the judge.
Will a felony record show up after 10 years in Miami Gardens?
Yes, unless the record was sealed or expunged. Florida does not automatically remove felony records from public view after a set time. The case file stays on the docket forever. Some background check companies may filter older convictions, but the official record still exists. You can request sealing or expungement if you meet the legal requirements.
Can employers see dismissed felony charges in Miami Gardens?
It depends on the employer. The Clerk’s docket will show a dismissal. FDLE background checks also show dismissed charges. Some employers run their own checks and see this data. Others only look at convictions. A person with a dismissed charge can ask the court to expunge the case so it does not show up on future reports.
How do I find out if someone is in jail for a Miami Gardens felony case?
Use the Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department inmate search. It is online and free. You can search by name and date of birth. The system shows current facility, bond amount, and the underlying case number. You can also call the jail at (305) 345-0010 for inmate information.
Can I request felony court records by email in Miami Gardens?
No. The Clerk does not accept record requests by email for security reasons. You can use the online portal, visit in person, or send a written request by mail. Email cannot be used to verify identity or process payment, which is why the Clerk uses a more secure process. Some documents can be e-filed if you are an attorney with a registered account.